When we undertake a procurement exercise we follow a method to
ensure that we obtain best value for the tax payer whilst meeting
our objectives. The value of the proposed contract and the
potential level of market interest generally dictate the way in
which we go about contracting. For low value requirements (normally
less than £70,000 for goods and services and £150,000 for works) we
would undertake a quotation exercise. For higher values, we use one
of the tender processes described below.
As a public sector contracting authority, we adhere to the rules
laid down in european and domestic legislation when buying goods,
services or works. These rules are designed to ensure that we use
auditable processes that are fair and afford equitable treatment of
all potential bidders throughout the procurement process.
As a matter of course we advertise our tender opportunities using
’Contracts Finder’ – the Government Opportunities Portal and, where
the aggregate value of the contract is in excess of the european
procurement thresholds (currently £173,934 for goods and services
or £4,348,350 for works) in the Official Journal of the European
Communities. In our adverts we explain; how to express your
interest in bidding, the procurement process and timescales we will
use and, list what information we require from you.
The process we follow will depend on the nature and complexity of
the requirement but will usually be one of the following:
• An open tender where any provider responding to
the advert is invited to bid. If you are involved in this
process you will be expected to meet our published minimum
standards to be considered for award.
• A restricted Tender where we will issue a
pre-qualification questionnaire (sometimes abbreviated to PQQ) and
then shortlist a number of providers (the number will be stated in
the advert) who will be invited to complete formal tenders.
• A competitive dialogue. This process
is used for very complex projects, where we cannot objectively
define the way in which our service requirements may be met and/or
where the complexity means that we cannot specify either the
contractual or financial make up of the project. In this process,
we will enter into a dialogue with providers who have been selected
on the basis of completed PQQ’s.
The contents of this page are intended for general information
only and should not be relied on as forming a binding commitment on
the council